WHAT: A major "Rally for New York" to push for fair alternatives to the devastating budget cuts currently being considered in Albany and New York City. These proposed cuts – to education, healthcare, social services and more - will have a disastrous impact on neighborhoods and communities around the five boroughs that are already reeling from the economic downturn.

Thousands of New Yorkers from across the city will be declaring “We need Fair Share Tax Reform”, which would institute a higher income tax on those earning $250,000 and more, raising an estimated $6 billion to preserve and invest in programs that benefit all New Yorkers.

WHO: Thousands of New Yorkers are expected from all walks of life and communities across the city. Among the speakers will be people talking about the impacts of the cuts to themselves, their families, and their communities.

The diverse group of community groups, advocates, non-profit organizations and labor unions includes the One New York Coalition which represents over 200 local agencies and nonprofit organizations, the Working Families Party, New York Immigration Coalition, the Hispanic Federation, the NAACP, United Neighborhood Houses, the Citizens’ Committee for Children, Citizen Action, the New York City Central Labor Council, ACORN, UFT, the Alliance for Quality Education, DC37, 1199SEIU, the NYS AFL-CIO, NYSUT, 32BJ and the Communication Workers of America.

WHERE: City Hall (Broadway side)

WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Simultaneous rallies will be taking place in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Binghamton.